mineral

Malachite

Copper carbonate hydroxide [Cu2CO3(OH)2]

Hardness: 3.5-4.0; Color: bright green with light/dark concentric banding; Luster: silky, velvety, or dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect; Specific gravity: 3.6-4.0

Hardness: 3
Color: bright green with light/dark concentric banding
Luster: silky, velvety, or dull

Identified May 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3.5-4.0; Color: bright green with light/dark concentric banding; Luster: silky, velvety, or dull; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Perfect; Specific gravity: 3.6-4.0

Formation & geological history

Formed through the weathering of copper ore bodies in the oxidation zones of hydrothermal deposits; typically found in limestone environments where carbonate sources are present.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, decorative ornaments, lapidary art, and historically as a green pigment in paints before modern synthetics.

Geological facts

In ancient Egypt, malachite was used for amulets and ground into eye cosmetics. It often forms pseudomorphs after azurite, meaning it retains the crystal shape of azurite while transforming chemically into malachite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive vibrant green color and circular 'eye' or banded patterns. Commonly found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, Australia, and Arizona, USA.